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The Tempest Fells the Royal Tent

The Tempest Fells the Royal Tent

From D8.3, The Reign of Shapur, Son of Shapur. It illustrates D8.3.23–30:

  • D8.3.23
    When five years and four months had passed away,The Shah went hunting; fate was on its way.
  • D8.3.24
    The plain was filled with cheetahs, hawks, and hounds,Some wheeled above, while others coursed the grounds.
  • D8.3.25
    A tent was pitched to serve as resting-place;The Shah ate there, then rested from the chase.
  • D8.3.26
    He drank three goblets full of royal wine,Then sank in thought and let his limbs recline.
  • D8.3.27
    His comrades left him sleeping where he lay,And scattered through the plain upon their way.
  • D8.3.28
    Then from the plain a mighty tempest came,So fierce no living man recalled the same.
  • D8.3.29
    The gale tore loose the tent’s supporting frame,And struck the monarch’s head with deadly aim.
  • D8.3.30
    The valiant Shapur died upon the plain,And left the crown for other hands to gain.

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